Impetigo in babies, skin blisters similar to smallpox. is it dangerous?

A baby's skin that is red and blistered is not always a sign of chicken pox. There is one other skin infection that has similar symptoms, namely impetigo. Impetigo generally affects infants and children. What are the characteristics of impetigo in babies, and how is it treated? Check out more in this article.

Impetigo at a glance

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes .

These bacteria usually enter the child's body through cuts in the skin, although infection may also occur in children with healthy skin.

This disease is a type of contagious skin disease characterized by red sores on the face, around the nose or mouth.

In general, impetigo goes away on its own over time. But it is still important for parents to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria to other babies, so impetigo in babies still needs to be treated as soon as possible.

The reason is, the transmission of impetigo-causing bacteria can occur through direct physical contact with babies who have impetigo or through intermediaries. Such as clothes, towels, napkins, and so on that were previously shared.

Bacteria will more easily infect babies who have wounds, such as wounds from insect bites, falls, or cuts from sharp objects.

It could also be due to sores caused by other skin infections, such as eczema, scabies, or lice infections. Impetigo is more common when the weather is warm and humid.

Risk factors for impetigo in babies

Impetigo comes because of contact with bacteria, so that when you come into contact with someone who has already experienced it, you can immediately catch it.

The following are risk factors for impetigo in babies, quoting from the Mayo Clinic:

Age

Everyone can get impetigo, but babies 2-5 years old are most vulnerable to this condition because their skin is still very sensitive.

This infection begins with a small sore like being bitten by an insect or itching due to eczema. Every part of the skin that is damaged has the risk of becoming a residence for the bacteria that cause impetigo in babies.

Crowd

Why is the crowd a risk factor for impetigo? Basically, impetigo can spread quickly in children's playgrounds because many bacteria nest there. This is what causes it to spread so quickly when in a crowd.

Humid air

Warm air is very popular with bacteria. This is what makes impetigo most at risk in hot, humid air, especially in the dry season.

Physical contact

Activities that involve direct skin contact with other people are also at risk of transmitting impetigo to babies. For example, learning to walk together, hug, and shake hands.

Not only with fellow baby friends, impetigo can also be transmitted through families who have a history of impetigo.

Broken skin

The bacteria that cause impetigo often enter the baby's skin through wounds on the baby's skin. For example, insect bites, diaper rash, or friction due to clothes that are too tight.

What are the symptoms of impetigo in babies?

These skin infections are in the form of blisters or open sores on the skin, which then cause a yellow or brown crust.

Impetigo can occur on any part of the skin on your baby's body. However, blisters are most commonly found around the nose and mouth, hands, forearms, and also the diaper area.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, here are some of the symptoms of impetigo in babies:

• Red sores on the skin
• Itchy
• Blister
• Ulcers (more severe symptoms)

There are two types of impetigo that are differentiated based on the symptoms they cause, the following is the explanation quoted from Kids Health, namely:

Bullous impetigo

Staph bacteria are the cause of this type of bullous impetigo. The staph bacteria make the upper and lower layers of the skin separate and form blisters.

These blisters contain a clear yellow discharge that often breaks from scratching. Then make the skin red with rough and crusty edges.

The appearance of bullous impetigo is usually accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Crustous or non-bullous impetigo

Unlike bullous impetigo which is only caused by one bacteria, this condition is caused by the strep bacteria. The non-bullous form of impetigo is initially small red like an insect bite.

Then it quickly turned into small, crusty, yellow blisters. This process only takes about a week.

Non-bullous impetigo is often present around the nose and face, but some can also be present on the arms and legs.

How to treat impetigo in babies?

Some cases of impetigo go away on their own within two to three weeks without treatment.

However, a doctor's prescription of antibiotics can speed healing to 7-10 days.

It can also narrow the risk of transmission to babies and other children around them. Impetigo can be treated using topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics.

Topical antibiotics are used if the infection is mild, is in one area, and has not spread everywhere. Drinking antibiotics are used if the symptoms of impetigo cannot be treated with topical antibiotics, the condition gets worse, and spreads to other parts.

If treatment with antibiotics does not take effect after three days, the doctor will examine a sample of the infected skin in the laboratory to see if there is an infection other than impetigo.

Laboratory tests also need to be done if impetigo recurs. Usually impetigo recurs because there are still bacteria lodged in certain areas.

For example the nose, so it is easy to infect the surrounding area which happens to be injured. If proven correct, the bacteria must be eradicated with a special antiseptic drug that can be used in the nose.

Impetigo complications in babies

This condition is actually not dangerous and the form of the wound is mild, it can heal on its own without a trace. However, on very rare occasions, complications can occur, including:

Cellulite

Serious infections involve the subcutaneous tissue and can cause the baby to develop cellulite.

Kidney problems

One type of bacteria that causes impetigo, can damage the kidneys of babies and adults. However, this is a very rare case.

Scar

Very deep impetigo sores can leave scars. Especially if your little one's skin is sensitive.

How can you prevent your baby from spreading the infection to other people?

If your baby's impetigo is not treated, your baby may pass on the infection for several weeks.

Once your baby starts antibiotic treatment or when the rash starts to heal and is dry, about 24-48 hours after that your baby is no longer contagious.

Meanwhile, keep your baby away from child care and direct contact with several people.

Here are the things should be done to prevent the spread of impetigo in babies, cites the NHS:

• Play less in public places (school or playground)
• Keeps cuts and abrasions clean and dry
• Cover the wound with a bandage or loose clothing
• Wash your hands frequently
• Wash baby clothes at high temperature
• Clean children's toys with toy soap and warm water

Meanwhile things were should be avoidedto prevent the spread of impetigo to babies, namely:

• Do not touch impetigo wounds
• Wearing the same equipment or clothes
• Play in open spaces with lots of people

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